ARTHUR – A new sign will celebrate the life and legacy of an Arthur woman known for her historic work in Ontario politics.
Approved at a Wellington North council meeting Monday afternoon, the decision follows Coun. Steve McCabe's notice of motion in April to investigate the feasibility of commissioning a commemorative plaque for Margarette Rae Luckock, an Arthur-native and one of Ontario's first female MPPs.
Staff said the new plaque will be installed adjacent to Luckock's father, J. J. Morrison's plaque on the northwest corner of George Street and Francis Street in Arthur.
While Morrison's sign is in good shape, staff have suggested replacing the existing brickwork to create a more uniform look with the new sign, which will be installed six feet apart from the existing one so people can walk between them.
The total cost of the project is $11,000 plus HST with approximately $4,600 to go towards getting rid of the existing stone and installing the new stone. Wellington North staff will install the sign.
The township has also applied to the Ontario Heritage Trust plaque program to help pay for the proposed sign, which requires a $6,500 minimum contribution from the township plus in-kind support.
Clerk Karren Wallace said she's hopeful the plaque will be installed by next summer.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
